The overwhelming response led to donations from more than 14,000 well wishers, but the couple's relationship with Mr Bobbitt eventually soured as they accused him of using the money to feed a drug habit.

Judge Paula T Dow has now ordered the couple to transfer the money into an account and hire a forensic accountant to review financial records within 10 days, local media reported.

Judge Dow said the court would decide how the money would eventually be managed.

Jacqueline Promislo, Mr Bobbitt's lawyer, has said she estimates the couple spent about $75,000 on his care.

Mr D'Amico recently told US media around $150,000 of the fund remains.

Mr Bobbitt's legal representatives have claimed the couple spent remaining cash to "fund a lifestyle that they could not otherwise afford".

For their part, the couple allege the marine veteran had once spent $25,000 of his new wealth on drugs in a single fortnight.